Magazine Street: New Orleans Cultural and Shopping Destination

Most people equate New Orleans with Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras, and Saints’ football. However visitors may not be aware that we have one of the premier shopping and entertainment districts in the south. Just six blocks south of our Garden District bed and breakfast is Magazine Street, offering shopping, dining, and a place for a safe, entertaining stroll. During your next bed and breakfast getaway to our beautiful New Orleans inn, you can spend a day, or most of a week, exploring this NOLA destination!

Magazine street spans six miles from Canal Street on the French Quarter’s west side through the Audubon Golf Club to its end on Leake Avenue, crossing the Business District, Warehouse Arts Districts, and dividing the Garden District and Uptown into north and south halves. Named for a late-1700’s export warehouse, then known as a “magazin,” you can practically walk through architectural time along the avenue, witnessing ginger-breaded Victorian Cottages, Greek Revival styles, and almost everything in between.

You’ll see art galleries and studios, tribal-focused goods, museums, antiques and antique furniture, electronics service, specialty gift shops, eco-friendly clothing for both adults and babies, lingerie, a gym, home decor, a hat-maker… and that’s just within the first 1.7 miles (Canal Street to Jackson Ave.)! All in all, 192 merchants, restaurants, and nightclubs thrive along Magazine Street. Whether you’re looking for high-end French Antiques, new art for your home, whimsical and fun craft, or that amazing anchor piece for your wardrobe, this is the place to shop in New Orleans.

Did we happen to mention antiques? This is one of the big draws of Magazine Street with over 35 antique stores featuring everything from furniture and rugs to locks, architectural artifacts, timepieces, and general stores with a wide variety of offerings.

Over 25 art galleries offer paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, photography and more. Chances are more than good that you will find the perfect artistic addition for your home!

Want a bit of history during your Magazine Street ramblings? The Warehouse District is home to the National World War II Museum. The U.S. Congress designated this the official U.S. World War II Museum! Exhibits, artifacts, documentaries, and interactive displays honor those who served, and those who helped here at home.

When you need a break from all the walking and shopping, grab a sandwich and head to the Audubon Park at the street’s west end for some nature and relaxation.

You may notice, during your ramblings, that a lot of hard work goes into the development, upkeep, and care of this wildly popular part of our city. The Magazine Street Merchants Association is primarily responsible for these tasks. They continually work to keep Magazine Street a premier cultural destination where visitors can feel safe and enjoy activities in a clean, welcoming environment.

Occasionally, the area sponsors street-long events. If you happen to be in town on October 6, 2012, be sure to stop down between 5 and 9pm for Art For Art’s Sake: a celebration of artistic offerings by the galleries and stores of Magazine Street. Enjoy live music, wine, and shopping! A shuttle is available to take you to different points along the district. Come as you are and enjoy the fun!

There is truly something for everyone on Magazine Street: events, shops, food, and fun! Explore the beauty and history of the Crescent City while experiencing one of the best destinations around. You’ll be glad you did!